Holistic medicine incorporates the concept of holism, or the idea that the whole is more than merely the sum of its parts. A knowledge of the parts and how they relate to function is a must. Holistic implies that the idea of being whole is necessary and achievable. In many cases this is just not possible. If it were, the aging process could not occur. It also implies that there is something missing to start with, as if something were added, a return to wholeness would occur. On the other hand, Intentional Integrity understands and recognizes that complete restoration may not be possible in many cases. However, with thought, knowledge, understanding, and foresight, improvement of function and minimizing pain is possible.

There are events that occur in each of our lives that will permanently result in altered function. If I would have known the consequences of an (anterior cruciate ligament) ACL tear while skiing when I was 23, I probably would have called it quits early that day. But I didn’t, and now I miss my ACL, a lot. Although the surgeon did a great job and my knee is stable, the reconstructed ACL will never be as good as the original, and the instrumentation required to perform the surgery cannot be reversed, such that degeneration will occur at a faster rate. Although a return to wholeness is not possible at this point, it does not imply that there is nothing more to be done. With intention, my knee can achieve the best possible integrity it is capable of.